No Way Out 2004
By: The TBL Staff
Click here to view this month's PPV Roundtable participants!
Pre-Prediction Comments:
Joe Balrog:
I tried to watch as much of Smackdown! as I could in the past month. It just seems so close to the Royal Rumble that I'm getting a little confused! I have to say that the build-up for this PPV has been crap at best, but I suppose with the Grand-Daddy of the Grand-Daddys coming up next month, what should we expect?
Chris Vining:
No Way Out seems like it should have more matches. I can't really think of any current feuds that would be PPV worthy, except maybe another tag match. The APA vs. The WGTT might be added, but they will have a very minor impact (TWGTT would win if added). The main thing about this PPV is that we will know what is in store for Wrestlemania after Sunday, and if the rumored matches are true.
Dastardly Dave:
Time for my predictions. Being new to the roundtable, I would like to make a great impression my first time out. So here it goes.
Lou Corsaro:
Wow, what a weird pay-per-view. A couple of matches thrown together at the last minute, a three-way for the WrestleMania title shot that seems to be a kink in rumored plans and Nidia wrestling a blindfolded Jamie Noble. The top three matches may make this more than an afterthought leading into WrestleMania 20.
Shawn Stinson:
No Way Out is the first Smackdown only pay-per-view of the new year. While most of the focus has been on next month's big event of Wrestlemania, this PPV is actually going to be the building block of the Smackdown-brand for the new year.
On paper it isn't very deep, but at the top of the card are two very good matches and another match on the undercard might be Cruiserweight gem. Then again, I said that about last month's Royal Rumble match between Rey Mysterio and Jamie Noble.
The Matches
Nidia vs. Jamie Noble
A.P.A. vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team
#1 Contender's Match
Kurt Angle vs. John Cena vs. The Big Show
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero
WWE Tag Team Championship
Rikishi/Scotty 2 Hotty vs. The Basham Brothers
WWE Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie Guerrero
Nidia vs. Jamie Noble
Rico Sparko
Prediction: Nidia
Thoughts: As you all know already Nidia makes me do the sex wee. I can't get enough of that chick and this would be a perfect oppourtunity to reveal her rumoured brand new puppies. I am not sure how this will play out but it has to be a win for Nid's My prediction Nidia to take the win (hopefully after she takes a mean powerbomb and reveals the puppies!)
Dastardly Dave
Prediction: Jamie Noble
Thoughts: Now Noble is to be blindfolded in the match as to give Nidia some sort of an upper hand. I either see outside intereference on behalf of Nidia or he will cheat, remove the blindfold, and get the victory. Either way, this match is just uncalled for and unnecessary for the last pay per view before WM XX
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Jamie Noble
Thoughts: I understand that this is the PPV before WrestleMania XX, but come on. Nidia being so hot is the only good part of this "match."
Chis Vining
Prediction: Nidia
Thoughts: I was going to say Noble for obvious reasons until Nidia announced that Noble had to be blindfolded. Upon hearing that I have to give the nod to Nidia, specially since Noble has been on a nice streak of embarrassments.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Jamie Noble
Thoughts: Really, who cares? I will admit the setup on Smackdown! Thursday was funny, but where does Nidia get the resources to bring a woodchipper into the arena? Noble lifts up his blindfold and puts her away. Yawn.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Jamie Noble
Thoughts: Why? At least I have a bathroom break and a chance to run errands or something doing this match.
Josh Fox
Prediction: Jamie Noble
Thoughts: This match is as pointless as the paper it is written on, I won't watch this part of the show if I'm payed to.
Return to the Match Listing
A.P.A. vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team
Rico Sparko
Prediction: A.P.A.
Thoughts: I love the APA, I have follwed Ron Simmons for years and consider him to be one of the greatest small Big Guy's. This match I expect to be very average but I will mark out for the APA espcially if Ron pulls off one of those old skool powerslams.
Dastardly Dave
Prediction: The Worlds Greatest Tag Team
Thoughts: I really hope TWGTT wins this match. They need to get themselves back in the title hunt and after watching The Bashams with the titles for so long, it made me appreciate a pure tag team like TWGTT. I think they need a push and to be honest, I think they need to be turned into faces. They could actually pull it off if done right. But who knows.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: The World's Greatest Tag Team
Thoughts: I have a feeling that TWGTT will win this match and move on to a great match at WrestleMania XX.
Chis Vining
Prediction: WGTT
Thoughts: yeah I wasn't sure if I heard that match correctly. I will go with WGTT. Farooq will finally hang it up and bradshaw will go solo once they loose. The WGTT will dominate and get the W over farooq.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: World’s Greatest Tag Team
Thoughts: OK, my vote is kind of like a hope as well. I am a huge mark for Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas, and I don’t see any reason why they need to get buried by the APA. Ron Simmons is obviously not a full-time performer anymore anyway.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: WGTT
Thoughts: The APA was a nice tag team four years ago, now they are just hanging on to hang on. Let the young guys keep shining.
Josh Fox
Prediction: TWGTT
Thoughts: This was one of the last matches to be signed, but I like the Styles of both teams, even though I think both members of WGTT are worth and able to do a lot more, this is what they are stuck to for now
Return to the Match Listing
#1 Contender's Match
Kurt Angle vs. John Cena vs. The Big Show
Rico Sparko
Prediction: No Contest
Thoughts: According to my prediction for the BrockvEddie match, this has to end in a no contest. I can see a feud developing between Kurt and Eddie but it would be a pretty ow profile match at Wrestlemania so I think this one will result in Kurt and Cena fueding after a no contest. Who knows maybe Goldberg might have a hand in it! My prediction no contest.
Dastardly Dave
Prediction: Kurt Angle
Thoughts: Kurt will most likely get the win here. Cena and Big Show are having a nice program together and will most likely battle for the U.S. Heavyweight title at WM XX. Kurt should win this because of my next prediction.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Kurt Angle
Thoughts: I look for a repeat of last year's WrestleMania main event at this year's event with Kurt taking on Brock.
Chris Vining
Prediction: Kurt Angle
Thoughts: There is no secret that Cena vs. Big Show is on tap for Mania. No matter who wins the title at No Way Out they will face a heel Kurt Angle. Cena and Show will end up destroying each other and Kurt will stand back and pick up the W.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Kurt Angle
Thoughts: I don’t see how either Show or Cena can win, since they should be facing off for that U.S. Title next month. Does an Angle win foreshadow Eddie beating Brock later on? This is where it gets interesting.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: This is a tough one to call. I will go with John Cena.
Thoughts: I like having three top contenders battle for the No. 1 spot, it reminds me of the old WCW days when wrestles actually "battled" to earn the right to face the champion instead of just calling them out. However, I'm not sure Angle, Cena and the Big Show are going to be available to pull off a great match, but it should be pretty decent. I think this is way Angle is going to complete his heel turn and go back to doing what he does best...get under the fans' skin.
Josh Fox
Prediction: John Cena
Thoughts: Even though John Cena is still a litle green, he has talent, charisma, and ring presence, and I think if Eddie does ineed win these two can make a great combination for a WM main event. They are both over and the fans love them both.
Return to the Match Listing
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero
Rico Sparko
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Thoughts: I am not sure how Chavo qualifies for a cruiserweight but hey. This should be a decent match. I really hope that Rey wins. I'm fairly sure he will because after all the fuss WWE have made about Rey and his mask, plus the huge merchandise sales of replica masks, making WWE a freakin fortune, there is no way they are going to allow the same mistake WCW made of the demasking to happen this time around. My prediction REY REY all the way.
Dastardly Dave
Prediction: Chavo Guerrero wins title and demasks Rey
Thoughts: This is a nice feud they have on SmackDown. They are putting alot of emphasis on the mask so there's a chance Rey could be unmasked at the event. Which makes sense. When he was in WCW, he had no mask so we already know what he looks like. Plus, its time we had another champion in the Cruiserweight division.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Thoughts: I expect the boxer and Pappa Guerrero to get involved in this one, but I think that we all know who'll be coming out on top in that affair. Rey is the best that there is in his weight class so I look for him to enter WrestleMania XX as the champion.
Chris Vining
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Thoughts: Chavo stands as much of a chance of winning as I do of ending up in a Torrie Wilson and Sable sandwich. I just want to see Rey's boxer friend get freaky like he did on Smackdown before he dropped Chavo Sr.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Thoughts: Call it a hunch. They made Chavo and his dad look like a fool on Smackdown! and having him follow it up with a loss would erase any strength he has as a heel. Plus, if they’re really considering the cruiserweight battle royale, it lets Mysterio look strong in winning the title back. If they decide against it, he can take it back from Chavo in a one-on-one or triple-threat match.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Thoughts: I'm hoping this match gets a lot of time then the one during the Royal Rumble. I'm not sure exactly what the company is going to do with Chavo. I think he has a chance to be a pretty decent heel especially if Eddie wins the title. (Think Bret Hart and Owen Hart) While I would like to see Chavo win, I think Mysterio is going to retain the belt here.
Josh Fox
Prediction: Chavo Guerrero
Thoughts: This match will more than likely steal the show with the exception of the main event,Chavo's push came fast, and I expect a great match out of the two, whoever wins, I know it will be entertaining.
Return to the Match Listing
WWE Tag Team Championship
Rikishi/Scotty 2 Hotty vs. The Basham Brothers
Rico Sparko
Prediction: The Bashams
Thoughts: The big Kish and Scotty too Hotty are such a difficult team place in any story line. They are suprisingly hot over here in the UK but I have no idea why. The Bashams are in a similar situation. They are using a tried and tested gimmick that has been played to death (twin type thing). Having the tiles with either team in my opinion takes away the meaning of the belt. If I have to pick a winner, I'll go with the Bashams. I can't see Scotty and Rikishi surviving in the WWE for much longer, unless Brian Christopher returns, which could well happen since they are talking about bringing Mideon back and he is a pile of steaming.........
Dastardly Dave
Prediction: Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty retain their belts (Hopefully!!)
Thoughts: I really do not want to see the Bashams win them back. They had them long enough and Kish and Scotty deserve a nice little run before dropping them to another team. I really dont care for the Bashams. Scotty and Rikishi need to win this to solidify that their win over the Bashams wasnt a fluke.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: The Bashams
Thoughts: I think that we'll see Shaniqua play a key role in this match and cost the dancers their titles.
Chris Vining
Prediction: The Bashams
Thoughts: I see the titles staying where they are. Shaniqua will somehow cost the Bashams the titles, most likely by getting disqualified.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Scotty & Rikishi
Thoughts: The Bashams have also won me over. They’re quick and smooth in the ring, and I’d much rather be watching them against Haas & Benjamin. Giving the tag titles to Scotty & Rikishi is a little embarrassing to me, but I’m assuming they’ll beat on Shaniqua and retain.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Scotty and the Fat Guy
Thoughts: I don't really want to throw the "new" tag champs under a bus, but why do we care about these guys again? Didn't 1998 call and say it wanted these guys back?
Josh Fox
Prediction: The Bashams
Thoughts: I think the Bashams will come out on top here due to the fact the only other teams in this Tag Division are currently booked besides, when is the last time Vince kept the belts on someone all of us can actually stand for more than a month?
Return to the Match Listing
WWE Heavyweight Championship
Brock Lesnar vs. Eddie Guerrero
Rico Sparko
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Thoughts: This should shape up to being an interesting match. It has been suggested by many that Eddie will take the title, but I dissagree. I suspect that Brock will retain through some sort of interference from Goldberg. I know for sure that Goldberg is leaving after WMXX so what is to stop him challenging for the title at WMXX. Surely if the WWE are not planning this then Eddie would have won a shot at WMXX insted of at No Way Out. So my prediction is Brock to retain and to go on and face Goldberg in a loser leaves match at WrestleMania.
Dastardly Dave
Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Thoughts: Brock would normally tear Eddie apart but with Goldberg being in attendace, I think Brock walks out a loser that night. Eddie will win and become the first recognized Latino heavyweight champion. This would mean Eddie vs Angle for the Championship at WM XX and would mean a show stealer of a match. Plus, that takes the belt off of Lesnar long enough to feud with Goldberg.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Thoughts: Would it make sense for Brock to enter the biggest event of the year/decade as anything OTHER than the champion? Especially with the build-up between him and Goldberg - come on, this will be a great match (probably Match of the Year candidate), but a wash nonetheless.
Chris Vining
Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Thoughts: Eddie's time has come and the belt deserves to be around his waste. Goldberg just adds an extra distraction that will prevent Brock from retaining.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Thoughts: Logic tells me the Lesnar-Goldberg match doesn’t need the title to be on the line to sell it. If Goldberg interferes and costs Brock the title, it sets up a “hate match” for WrestleMania 20. Plus, Goldberg’s leaving, so there’s no chance of him taking the strap in March. Not only that, but it becomes a lot easier to put the rumored matches in place. Goldberg and Lesnar feud into WrestleMania, while Kurt takes the No. 1 contender spot and meets Guerrero. On the other hand, the WWE may want Lesnar looking strong going into the Goldberg match. Still, I’ll stick with Eddie and hope the WWE is actually making an effort to give fans what they want.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Thoughts: Since everyone can already see the writing on the wall with Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg at Wrestlemania, Guerrero is a lock to win this one. However, the key is going to be how they go about putting the belt on Latino Heat. If they have Goldberg assist a little too much, then Guerrero is shot as a legit champion. Hopefully, Vince will do the right thing and let Guerrero win pretty cleanly before Goldberg gets involved. Like Goldberg just distracting Lesnar enough to have Guerrero do a German Suplex into the Frog Splash for the win, then have Goldberg and Lesnar go at it.
Josh Fox
Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Thoughts: Judging the fact that it appears Brock Lesnar and Goldberg will battle at WM XX, and Goldberg will be gone after WM XX a title match between the two then would make no sense. So I am gonna go with Eddie, he deserves it.
Return to the Match Listing
Roundtable Participants
Shawn Stinson, writer of The Focal Point
Chris Vining, writer of Nonsensical Notions
Dastardly Dave, writer of Dastardly Doings
Joe Balrog, writer of RAW Wishes & Balrog Babblings
Josh Fox, writer of The Inner View & H & S
Lou Corsaro, writer of Captain Lou's View
Rico Sparko, writer of Rico's Ramblings
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